The Union of Fisheries Workers of the South (STPS) considers that the value of the compensation that the Government will give to professionals of the seine fishing for the interdiction of sardine capture is "a lack of respect and a complete offense for the fishermen".
According to an ordinance published on Monday, November 11th, the professionals of seine fishing will be entitled to support with a daily value of 32 euros, for 30 days. In other words, "960 euros, for a break of more than six months", stressed Josué Marques, from the Union of Fisheries Workers of the South, in statements to the Sul Informação.
In 2018, it was decided "a support for a period of 60 days in a row with a daily value of 32 euros".
In other words, the amount that will be given this year «is half of what was allocated last year, for a similar period of stoppage».
STPS has already sent a communication to fishermen to inform them about the decision and strongly criticize the Government.
The unionists even speak of "shame" and "scandal" and an "attack on the dignity of men who every day go to sea to exercise fishing, a profession with a high rate of accidents and great danger."
“We were convinced that there would be a subsidy for 60 days, like last year. I was scandalized when I saw the ordinance», confesses the union leader.
This was a decision taken without the fishermen having been heard and being able to present their arguments.
“There was no dialogue. They shut themselves up in their offices in Lisbon and legislate with strong social insensitivity. This is a fait accompli and we do not like it much», considered Josué Marques.
"Have some respect for the fishermen!" he asked.
This situation, warns, in turn, the union, "puts into question the future of seine fishing (sardines)".
«Without fishermen, there is no fishing. And without decent income, there are no men to be put to sea. The future of fishing in Portugal must be ensured today. Another policy is needed that values fishing and fishermen while guaranteeing the sustainability of resources», warned the STPS.
“Fishing is experiencing troubled days, due to the lack of personnel. Just yesterday they called us to ask if we knew of any seafarers available to board. There is not! This vessel will have been parked, without the possibility of going out to sea, as has happened to others», reinforced Josué Marques.
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